After Michael Jordan retired, Dennis Rodman signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
It’s a little-known fact that played with Shaquille O’Neal and with the Los Angeles Lakers. That’s because his stint lasted just 23 games in the 1998-99 NBA season. According to Rodman, the reason for his shortened stint was that the dynamic duo grew envious of him.
"Rodman .
It’s an interesting perspective from Rodman. Did and Kobe have that much leverage in their third season together that they were able to drive away a legend? And what were they envious of? The fact that Rodman was adored by the fans or by his nightlife? Maybe all of the above? Shaq may have to clear the air on Rodman’s controversial remarks.
The fact is that Rodman may have been at the tail end of his career at that point. After leaving Los Angeles, he donned the Dallas Mavericks jersey for 12 games. That was the last time fans saw Rodman in the NBA.
History also reveals that Phil Jackson was named head coach of the Lakers in the 1999-2000 season — a year after the Worm left. If Rodman stayed, would the Zen Master have tamed him to co-exist with Kobe and Shaq? And more importantly, would Rodman have won his sixth ring?
We will never know the answer, but there’s a big possibility that Rodman would’ve added to his ring collection. After all, the man knew the triangle offense by heart. Jackson would’ve found a good role for him, too. Five rings are better than six. But he doesn't need another ring to be validated. He already belongs in the pantheon of the greatest players ever.
